Travel and Outdoors

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Outdoors
Best places to work outside in Columbia
When the sun is shining and the weather is perfect, pack a bag and head out to one of the many spots great for remote work in Columbia. From coffee shops to public parks, we have a plethora of places to refresh your mind and step away from your home desk.
April 14, 2026 03:25 PM
 · 
Ben McBee
gopher frog
Travel and Outdoors
89 gopher frogs released
Learn more about the efforts to help the state-endangered gopher frog.
June 16, 2023
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
A woman standing by her bike at Falls Park in Greenville, SC.
Sponsored
Greenville: The ultimate outdoor destination
Greenville, SC is filled with fun, scenic outdoor activities for the whole family.
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Weather
Summer 2023 weather forecast for Columbia, SC
See what’s in store for Columbia weather over the summer months in the Midlands of South Carolina.
May 25, 2023
 · 
David Stringer
The jet engine of a plane on an airfield.
Travel and Outdoors
Plan your next trip with nonstop flights from Columbia Metropolitan Airport
Pack your bags for a trip to one of these popular nonstop destinations. Plus, keep an eye out for new routes.
May 10, 2023
 · 
Anne Weber
Two men standing in front of river and trees wearing life jackets
Sponsored
Meet John Sherrer, Director of Preservation for Historic Columbia
Also an Experience Columbia SC Ambassador, John knows a lot about our city — past and present.
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Travel and Outdoors
Fresh air and scenic rides, biking in the Midlands
Pump up your tires and explore the Midlands of South Carolina and nature through these bike trails.
May 4, 2023
 · 
David Stringer
Black-eyed Susan
Travel and Outdoors
Become an expert on native flowers
Keep local love growing this fall with local plants.
April 18, 2023
 · 
Dayten Rose
Brown entrance sign surrounded by trees reading "Mammoth Cave National Park" in white letters.
Travel and Outdoors
How to plan an event in a national park
From getting a permit to catering, we’ve got the details on how to plan a wedding, family reunion, or special occasion in a national park.
March 31, 2023
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
The night sky with visible bands of the Milky Way.
Travel and Outdoors
Celebrate International Dark Sky Week
Protect the night by taking some simple actions Saturday, April 15-Saturday, April 22
March 22, 2023
 · 
Dayten Rose
A bucket of freshly picked strawberries from Bush-n-Vine, a u-pick farm in the Olde English District.
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3 u-pick farms to check out this spring 🍓
Fresh fruits make the spring season even sweeter.
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Play
Dog-friendly businesses guide for Columbia
Explore these dog-friendly businesses in Columbia that span from places to eat, drink, shop, exercise, and stay the night.
September 10, 2025
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Future residents will help shape campus life in a way like never before
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Brookland Commons: A smarter take on senior living
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A satellite image above Columbia. The city is labeled, and four blue lines are going off — one north, one east, one south, and one west — out past the edges of the screen.
Travel and Outdoors
Which cities share Columbia’s latitude and longitude?
Directly north, east, south, and west of COLA, cities across the world await.
September 2, 2025
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
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Events
JerryFest 2025: Celebrating 60 Years of the Grateful Dead
JerryFest returns to Five Points on Sunday, Oct. 5 with two stages of live music, food, art, and family fun.
August 28, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Williams-Brice stadium during a day game.
Gamecock season preview: Tailgates, Sandstorm, and Saturdays in Columbia
A look at the 2025 Gamecock football season, including key players, biggest games, and what’s new on gameday at Williams-Brice.
August 28, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Local authors section at Richland Library
Outdoors
Where would you put an outdoor library in Columbia?
The concept is taking over South Korea’s capital city. We’re thinking about where we’d copy it in Soda City.
August 27, 2025
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
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City
Start streaming these local podcasts
Whether you’re interested in hearing from local business leaders, exploring the art world, or just hearing a good story, there’s a Cola podcast for you.
August 26, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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Play
Date night ideas for every type of Columbian
Got a hot new fling? Hoping to spice things up with your longtime partner? We’re here to help plan your next date night in Soda City.
August 20, 2025
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Close-up of a dire wolf skull cast with sharp canine teeth, displayed at the Florence County Museum in South Carolina.
5 animals that used to roam the Midlands
Unbury Columbia and Florence’s prehistoric past by looking at these five animals that once called the region home before they went extinct.
August 19, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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Food
European café–style brasserie + market coming to Gervais Street
A European café–style brasserie and market is opening in Melrose Heights in 2026, with local roots.
August 14, 2025
 · 
David Stringer